Sisterhood is a beautiful thing, and in a world that often pits women against each other, it is a potent reminder that we need to have each other’s backs. It props us up when we’re falling down, and it holds a space for us when we need somewhere safe and nurturing, to just be.
Unity & solutions
Belinda Gruenbaum, who is a social worker at the Family Life Centre says, “In my professional opinion, sisterhood is vitally important because women connect on a different level emotionally to each other than the way they connect to the men in their lives.”
She believes that there are many benefits to having female friends and choosing to be a part of a sisterhood. “By being able to share experiences and relate to other women, there is a sense of unity and togetherness that is created.
We don’t feel so alone in the challenges we may be facing at any particular time, and we can also benefit from advice given in terms of seeking solutions to possible problems.”
Many studies have shown that women are more emotionally intelligent than men, that our brains are much busier and that we are lateral thinkers.
We are also treated differently to men in the patriarchal society we live in, where men “dominate the world” and women “nurture the family”.
Unfortunately, this hasn’t helped women through the centuries, and we have, for the most part, been treated as second-class citizens rather than valued for our worth – and our high EQs (emotional intelligence) – since time immemorial.
It’s our commonalities that should unite us as women. After all, who understands us better than our own biological gender.
Better mental health
That wonderful saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”, can only be referring to the sisterhood.
Because, when a woman enters motherhood for the first time, the instinct is for her mama friends to provide her with a strong circle of support.
Gruenbaum says, “At times, being a young mother can be quite overwhelming as there are a lot of responsibilities around raising young children who are very dependent on them to meet their basic needs.
This normally means a lot of self-sacrificing on top of also meeting the needs of their husbands or partners. This can lead to them neglecting themselves, as there is little time left for them. In the process, they can lose their own identity, as it becomes so intertwined in their role as a mother.”
She also suggests that the everyday tasks and self-sacrifice of being a new mom can lead to loneliness, as they may feel like no one understands what they are going through.
“This could lead to a decline in mental health and to more serious issues such as depression if not acknowledged and dealt with effectively,” says Gruenbaum. This is precisely why sisterhood can play such a vital role.
READ MORE HERE on Why it take a village to raise a child
Indeed, women coming together is a powerful thing and new mothers should embrace their female tribes for these 5 great reasons:
- A collective force of empowerment
Sisterhood possesses the unique ability to empower, inspire, and ignite change. When women and mothers join forces, they form an unstoppable collective force, capable of dismantling societal barriers and rewriting the narrative of motherhood.
- Breaking the chains of comparison
The journey of motherhood is a deeply personal one, yet society continually breeds an environment of comparison and competition. But, within the sanctuary of sisterhood, mothers can openly share their struggles and victories, they can dismantle the harmful cycle of comparison and foster an environment of support and acceptance.
- Building bridges not walls
Sisterhood breaks down the walls that separate women. It bridges the gaps of age, culture, and background. Within the sisterhood, we find kindred spirits who understand our fears, dreams, and aspirations. When bridges are built, new moms can reach out to old, wise hands for advice or share their stories with likeminded young mothers.
- Silencing the shame
Motherhood comes with a myriad of challenges and choices. Sadly, this also brings with it a lot of judging and shaming, and this can be overwhelming and suffocating to a new mom. Sisterhood provides a guilt-free haven where mothers can openly discuss their choices without fear of condemnation all the while receiving acceptance and understanding.
- Raising the next generation
Sisterhood has the power to shape the future by raising resilient, compassionate, and empowered individuals. When young mothers come together, they create an environment in which children witness unity, cooperation, and respect. By modelling the power of sisterhood, these mothers teach their children the value of supporting and uplifting one another, fostering a new generation that will strive for equality and cooperation.
To all girls, young and older women and new and not new moms, your sisters are everywhere. Be brave enough to ask for help, and to extend a helping hand. To older women, offer your guidance, wisdom and kindness. Let’s always be a sister to those who seek a sister for that is how we will continue to keep the all-powerful, all-nurturing circle of sisterhood thriving for generations to come.